How to Update WordPress Core, Themes, and Plugins (Step-by-Step Guide)

Keeping your WordPress website up to date is one of the simplest yet most powerful ways to ensure security, speed, and compatibility. Regular updates help patch vulnerabilities, fix bugs, and introduce new features that keep your site running smoothly.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to update your WordPress core, themes, and plugins safely—without risking your website’s stability or design.

???? Why Updating WordPress Is Important

Before diving into the steps, here’s why updates matter:

• Security Fixes: Hackers often target outdated versions. Updates patch vulnerabilities.

• Improved Performance: New versions are optimized for better speed and performance.

• New Features: Enjoy new tools and enhancements added by developers.

• Compatibility: Updates ensure plugins, themes, and WordPress core work seamlessly together.

Step 1: Backup Your Website

Before making any update, always back up your website. This ensures you can restore your site if something goes wrong.

You can use tools like:

• UpdraftPlus (plugin-based backup)

• Jetpack Backup

• Your Hosting Backup Tool (Sternhost provides easy cPanel and automatic daily backups)

???? Pro Tip: Sternhost’s hosting plans include automated backups, so you never lose your website data even during updates.

Step 2: Check Compatibility

Before updating:

• Review your theme and plugin documentation.

• Check for known issues or compatibility notes with the new WordPress version.

• If possible, test updates on a staging site first.

Sternhost users can easily create a staging site via Softaculous or cPanel, test updates, and then push changes live.

Step 3: Update the WordPress Core

To update WordPress core:

1. Log in to your WordPress dashboard.

2. Go to Dashboard → Updates.

3. If an update is available, click “Update Now.”

4. Wait for WordPress to complete the process automatically.

You can also set up automatic updates for minor releases from the Updates page or your wp-config.php file.

Step 4: Update Themes

Themes control your site’s design, so it’s important to keep them current.

1. In your WordPress dashboard, go to Appearance → Themes.

2. Click “Update Now” if a new version is available.

3. For premium themes, download the latest version from the developer and upload it via Appearance → Themes → Add New → Upload Theme.

Tip: If you’ve customized your theme directly, create a child theme to avoid losing your changes during updates.

Step 5: Update Plugins

Plugins extend your website’s functionality. To update them:

1. Navigate to Plugins → Installed Plugins.

2. Select the plugins that have updates available.

3. Click “Update Plugins.”

For bulk updates, you can select multiple plugins at once.
Always update essential plugins like security, SEO, and backup first.

Step 6: Test Your Website

After updating:

• Visit your homepage and key pages.

• Test your contact forms, sliders, and widgets.

• Check your mobile responsiveness.

If anything breaks, restore your backup or use Sternhost’s 1-click restore option to revert to your previous working version.

Step 7: Enable Automatic Updates (Optional)

If you prefer hands-free maintenance, enable automatic updates:

• Go to Dashboard → Updates → Enable Automatic Updates

• Or, edit your wp-config.php file and add:

   

  define('WP_AUTO_UPDATE_CORE', true);


This ensures WordPress automatically updates itself whenever a new version is released.

Bonus: Using cPanel or Softaculous for Updates

If you host your WordPress site with Sternhost, you can update everything directly from your cPanel:

1. Log in to your Sternhost cPanel.

2. Go to Softaculous Apps Installer → WordPress.

3. Click Manage Installations.

4. Choose your website and click Update for core, themes, or plugins.

It’s fast, safe, and fully automated.

⭐ Final Thoughts

Regularly updating your WordPress website ensures maximum performance, security, and stability. With backups, compatibility checks, and proper testing, you can update confidently without breaking your site.

???? Host Smarter with Sternhost

At Sternhost, we make WordPress management simple and stress-free. Our hosting platform is WordPress-optimized, offering:

• 1-Click WordPress Install & Update Tools

• Free SSL Certificates

• Automated Daily Backups

• 24/7 Expert Support

• Lightning-Fast Speed & Security

Whether you’re a beginner or a developer, Sternhost ensures your website runs smoothly — always up-to-date, always secure.

???? Start today at www.sternhost.com and experience hosting that makes your WordPress site faster, safer, and easier to manage.